Sports

2023 World Championships: FG Tasks AFN On Professionalism

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2023

Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has called on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to uphold professionalism and ensure strict adherence to the rules governing the selection of athletes that will represent the country at the 2023 World Championships billed for Budapest, Hungary.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar made the call on Thursday even as the national trials continues in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

The Permanent Secretary who expressed optimism that with the calibre of Members that form the AFN Board, Nigeria is sure to have the best athletes to compete at the World Championships, also advised the athletes to put in their best at the trials.

He assured that the Ministry is committed to providing equal opportunity for all athletes, both local and foreign, to compete at the trials with a view to having the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Competition.

Alhaji Ismaila stated further that the Ministry will continue to ensure full implementation of the policies and initiatives put in place by the Federal Government with a view to providing opportunities for the youth to develop their sporting talents in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), says it will shut the doors to the 2023 World Championships billed for Budapest, Hungary, against any foreign-based athlete who fails to show up for the national trials in Benin City, Edo State.
AFN Secretary General, Rita Mosindi, stated, that any foreign-based athlete who fails to show up for the national trials should consider him or herself out of the trip to Budapest.

“AFN has a policy in the selection of athletes for major competitions, including the World Championships. If you don’t come for the national trials, you won’t go to Budapest. The only condition for the AFN to consider such an athlete for the World Championship is if he or she tenders a genuine case of ill-health. In that case, our medical team has to be notified, and the board has to take a decision on it. For now, no athlete has informed me of his or her absence from the national trials.

“We have only heard rumours that some athletes would not be here for the national trials, but the rules are clear. If you don’t come, forget the ticket,” she said.

AFN’s hard stand came just as 12 USA based athletes trained at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Monday in preparation for the event, which the country will use to select its flag bearers to the World Championships.

AFN Technical Director Samuel Onikeku also informed that it is the AFN that will register athletes for the World Championships, thus calling on them to ensure participation at the trials.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race

Published

3 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively

The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.

The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.

In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.

In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.

According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.

The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.

The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.

Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.

The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.

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